Works of Faith

This morning I was reminded of a statement by Dr. Edwin Cole. He went on to be with the Lord in 2002 and before passing on said, "tell them the only scripture they believe is the one they obey". What a simple phrase but what profound meaning! I was immediately reminded of James 2:26. Here it is in context:

14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith obut does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 pIf a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 qand one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good2 is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith rapart from your works, and I will show you my faith sby my works. 19 tYou believe that God is one; you do well. Even uthe demons believe—and shudder! 20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? 21 vWas not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that wfaith was active along with his works, and faith was completed xby his works; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, y “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”— and he was called a zfriend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 And in the same way was not also aRahab the prostitute justified by works bwhen she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.
o [ch. 1:22]
p [Job 31:19, 20]; See Luke 3:11
q 1 John 3:17, 18
2 Or benefit
r [Rom. 3:28; 4:6; Heb. 11:33]
s Matt. 7:16, 17; Gal. 5:6
t Deut. 6:4; [Rom. 2:17-25]
u Matt. 8:29; Mark 1:24; 5:7; Luke 4:33, 34; Acts 16:17; 19:15
v Gen. 22:9, 12, 16-18
w Heb. 11:17
x See 1 Thess. 1:3
y Rom. 4:3; Gal. 3:6; Cited from Gen. 15:6
z 2 Chr. 20:7; Isai. 41:8
a Heb. 11:31
b Josh. 2:1-22; 6:23
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Jas 2:14-26). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

So then we are reminded that Faith comes to enable Obedience to God's word in our life and experience which is the highest form of worship. True faith will empower a life of consecration to the call and purpose of God in our lives. That's why Hebrews 11:6 says, " Without Faith it is impossible to please God, for He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those that dilligently seek Him".

So then disobedience to the revealed word of God in our life is a symptom of a lack on our part to activate the Faith of the Son of God that is already within us. We must choose each day to activate our faith to move the mountains in our life. "And Jesus said unto them, verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

2Peter1:1-4, "Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Let's pray together Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

Grace and Peace,

Ed

http://www.urcwc.com/

The Day of the LORD Is Near!

Zeph. 1:7
Be silent before the Lord God!
For the day of the Lord is near;
the Lord has prepared a sacrifice (Jesus!)
and consecrated his guests. (Us!)

James 5:7 Be patient, therefore, brothers,1 until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives kthe early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. lEstablish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord mis at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, nso that you may not be judged; behold, othe Judge is standing pat the door. 10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take qthe prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of rthe steadfastness of Job, and you have seen sthe purpose of the Lord, how tthe Lord is compassionate and merciful.[1]

Rev.22:20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely sI am coming soon.” Amen. tCome, Lord Jesus![3]

1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 9, 10, 12, 19
k See Deut. 11:14
l 1 Thess. 3:13
m 1 Pet. 4:7; [Rom. 13:11, 12; Phil. 4:5; Heb. 10:25, 37]
n Matt. 7:1
o [1 Pet. 4:5; Rev. 22:12]
p Matt. 24:33; Mark 13:29; [1 Cor. 4:5]
q Matt. 5:12; 23:34; Acts 7:52; Heb. 11:32-38
r Job 1:21, 22; 2:10
s Job 42:10, 12
t See Ex. 34:6
[1]The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Jas 5:7-11).
s ver. 7, 12
t [2 Tim. 4:8]
[3]The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Re 22:20).

Grace and Peace,

Ed

http://www.urcs.blogspot.com/

Forgiving Ourselves

This article needs wide distribution!

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1

by Os Hillman

Sunday, June 08 2008

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:9

The apostle Peter was one of three disciples who walked with Jesus closer than the other nine. He was the most enthusiastic and the one man who was willing to step into territories where others would not dare. He was the first to step out of the boat and walk on water. He wanted to protect Jesus at times when Jesus rebuked him for having a demon influence him. He cut off the ear of the guard who wanted to arrest Jesus in the garden. As Peter matured, the Holy Spirit harnessed his many extreme emotions.

The greatest trial for Peter was when he denied the Lord just before Jesus was crucified. Three times he denied knowing Jesus. Jesus predicted that the cock would crow after the third time just to reinforce the prophecy to Peter. Peter was crushed when he realized he had failed His Lord so badly.

The Lord forgave Peter for his denial. However, gaining forgiveness from Jesus was not the most difficult part for Peter. The hard part was forgiving himself. As we mature in the faith, we begin moving in victory after victory with our Lord. Then out of nowhere, an event happens that reveals our true sin nature, and we are confronted face to face with this reality. We cannot believe that we are capable of such sin. There is no good thing in us save the grace of Jesus Christ and His blood that cleanses us. When God looks at us, He looks at the blood of Christ that has covered our sin. He does not look at our sin once we confess it.

When we have difficulty forgiving ourselves, this is pride at its deepest level. We are making an assumption that we should never have sinned and that we are too mature to sin. This is a trap from the enemy of our souls. People who cannot forgive do not recognize from what they have been forgiven. That includes us.

Thank you brother Hillman! TodayGodIsFirst.com by Os Hillman

Grace and Peace,

Ed

http://www.urcwc.org/

Testing

Our human tendency is to avoid pain, suffering, and trials. However, if we face the tests of faith by relying on God’s grace, He will strengthen us through them, and we will experience a greater measure of His power in our lives. Therefore, by looking at difficulties from God’s perspective, we can see that they are not intended to destroy us, but they are actually opportunities to have more of His power flowing through our lives!

James revealed his understanding of this perspective when he wrote:

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers [various] temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:2–4).

Remember, when going through various trials and testing that:

1 - God is! When Moses needed a name for God, God said I am. When they asked Jesus who He was He said I am. God is. He is supreme, all knowing and all powerful. Nothing is impossible for Him. And He knows the end from the beginning.

2- God is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him! God is always looking to reward and bless you. He cares for you as He does His own son Jesus. While The Father allowed Jesus to suffer many things and be tempted and tested in all areas even as we are, Scriputure says that Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him. He knew the Father is faithful, loving and compassionate and that He would not allow Him to endure such hostility for no reason.

James 1:12
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Grace and Peace,

Ed

http://www.urcs.blogspot.com/

God's Authority

YEAH SURE! READ THE STORY AGAIN!

God has placed a system of authority in our world that requires faith to operate under its boundaries: fathers responsible for sons and daughters, employers responsible for employees, government leaders responsible for the people, church leaders responsible for church members. These are authority structures God has placed in our lives to protect and guide us to His will. Some confuse position with worthiness or qualifications of that position. It is the position that God works through. The fact that an authority may not be a Christian may have no bearing on whether God can work through him as your authority. It is only when that authority counsels against a biblical mandate that we should not follow that person's guidance. The hand of the king is in the hand of God.

Prov 21:1
The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.

Today, we find few who understand this system of authority God has ordained. It requires great faith to operate in this realm. Yet Jesus said that when we understand this, we demonstrate the kind of faith that He rarely sees. Be a person of rare faith! See the authorities placed in your life as those God is using to protect you.

13 Let every person pbe subject to the governing authorities. For qthere is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you rwill receive his approval, 4 for she is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, tan avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also ufor the sake of conscience. p Tit. 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:13 q [John 19:11]; See Dan. 2:21 r 1 Pet. 2:14 s 2 Chr. 19:6 t 1 Thess. 4:6 u 1 Pet. 2:19; [Eccles. 8:2] The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Ro 13:1-5).

God help us to see and understand this great truth through the perspective of faith, hope and love.

Grace and Peace,

Ed

http://www.urcwc.org/

The Grace of God

The grace of God is the life and Spirit of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And ministered to the soul, breathed into the heart, transmitted to the life, man becomes like Christ, because the Christ of God is moving in the heart of him, generating and regenerating, and man comes forth a finished product by the hands of his Lord, saved from sin, healed of disease, kept by the indwelling Christ, who is the power of God.

God's grace is the Divine enabler. As I apprehend the grace of God by faith I am endued with power from on high. I receive favor with God and with man.

15 When the turn came for Esther ethe daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his own daughter, to go in to the king, she asked for nothing except what fHegai the king’s eunuch, who had charge of the women, advised. Now Esther was winning favor in the eyes of all who saw her. 16 And when Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus into his royal palace in the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign, 17 the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set gthe royal crown1 on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. 18 Then the king hgave a great feast for all his officials and servants; it was Esther’s feast. He also granted a remission of taxes to the provinces and gave gifts with royal generosity.
e ver. 7; ch. 9:29, f ver. 3, 8, g ch. 1:11; 6:8, 1 Or headdress, h See ch. 1:3
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Es 2:15-18). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Grace and Peace,

Ed

http://www.realfoodforlife.blogspot.com/

God is looking for you!

Prophet Kim Clement sent me this e-mail today and I wanted to share it here.

When we understand that God is in search of man (us), more so than man in search of God, our spiritual experience is greatly enhanced. What does this mean in terms of communication? Over and over we try to hear God’s voice to find direction in our lives, and we spend countless hours in search of Him, only to find out that He was always close-by, but because we didn’t recognize Him, we ran.

We consider God mysterious and almost unattainable, but the great mystery is that God is actually in search of you. So how do I draw His attention? How will He know where I am, and what are the ingredients needed to assist Him in “finding” me? People would be offended at the thought of God “trying” to find them. Is He blind, deaf or unable to know His own created being?

Throughout Biblical history, we find that God “reveals” Himself to man. God continuously visited Abraham, and the obvious ingredient that drew God to him, was FAITH. Think about friendship for a minute. Would you go uninvited to someone’s home? Wouldn’t you feel more comfortable knowing that they in fact wanted you there at a specific time, and took the time to ask you over? How do we invite God? It’s faith in praise, prayer, sacrifice, obedience and other unselfish acts that invite God. The key, however, is knowing how to respond to revelation, because God reveals Himself more than He shows Himself - there is a difference. To reveal means to unveil something that was at first intended to be private, to divulge the meaning of making known something previously concealed or secret.

In other words, when prophetic revelation takes place, your mind has never experienced it before, therefore, you have entered into something strange and new. With this in mind, you have choices to make, to reject or accept it. Most people operate by fear and reject the unknown. It takes perception and faith to embrace something that you sense is right, but intellectually you are unsure of.

When God created Adam and Eve, He left them in the Garden to begin the journey for mankind. During that period, their understanding of God went from what they had experienced to what they had heard, from a complete stranger – the serpent Satan. Misrepresenting God, the serpent said to them, “God knows that in the day you eat of the fruit, your eyes will be opened, and you will BE LIKE GOD, knowing good and evil.” So his proposition was that they could “be like God,” having more power due to their new perception.

Unfortunately, their new sight blinded them to God and opened their eyes to themselves. God came to visit them one day and was rudely interrupted by a retreating Adam. No longer was God welcome, because Adam could only see one thing; that he was naked and afraid of God. His perception of himself was lowered to, “I heard your voice and I was afraid because I was naked.” He saw himself naked. Good God, I don’t blame him! God searched for Adam – Adam did not search for God.

God, in the form of man here on Earth, Jesus Christ, searched for man. He found His disciples and called them to Himself and yet Philip tells Nathaniel, “We have found the Messiah.” No. REVELATION IS NOT AN ACT OF MAN SEEKING GOD, BUT OF HIS BEING SOUGHT AFTER – AN ACT IN GOD’S SEARCH FOR MAN. Israel’s history originated with the initiative of God, not the efforts of man. Yet Jacob wrestled with God, sending Him an invitation to come to his house and experience him. God responded by giving Jacob the honorable and noble name, Israel, for you have struggled with God and with men and have PREVAILED!

Jacob did not search for God; he struggled with God. We all struggle with God, because we are so determined to know more about Him, so that we can have more power, when we should rather just experience God and enjoy Him. God reveals to Jacob his true name, Israel, because that is what God experienced when he found the true person in Jacob. However, when Jacob pleads to God, “Tell me your name, I pray,” God replies, “Why is it that you ask about my name?” I find this interesting because it’s almost like God is challenging Jacob about his motive in finding out God’s name.

Revelation should not be rejected because of it’s being incomprehensible. That which is incomprehensible must not be considered UNREAL. Prophetic revelation is not merely an act of experience, but an act of being experienced, overwhelmed and taken over by Him. It is impossible to believe that trials and troubles are a waste of time and worth nothing.

Now that I have been through three decades of walking with God, I am convinced that trials and troubles are only revelations in disguise, because I have discovered glorious truths about myself that eventually became part of my makeup and my expression. Character has been built with strength and virtue, which only paints my soul with delightful colors. Trials are part of our lot; they were predestinated for us in Christ’s last legacy. He has ordained their season and their place, their intensity and the effect they shall have upon us. Good men must never expect to escape troubles, for if they do, they will be disappointed; for none of our predecessors have been without them. Note the patience of Job and remember Abraham, for he had his trials, and by his faith under them, he was rewarded as the “Father of the Faithful.” Note the biographies of all the patriarchs, prophets, apostles and martyrs, and you will discover that none of those whom God made vessels of mercy escaped the fire of affliction.

I have been through a season of trial and I’m excited to find out what God found and experienced in me during this period. As human beings we value pleasure far above friction and stress. I hate anxiety. It is the cause of so much unnecessary stress and ungodliness. The Bible teaches us to be anxious for nothing. Anxiety is a thief. It robs you of your dignity, and positions you so that you are constantly on the lookout for an alternative to God.

To hear more from Kim go to http://www.kimclement.com/

Grace and Peace,

Ed

www.urcwc.org

Watch and Pray With Thanksgiving!

Many of us are very mindful of the temptations in our life, but we must have a Biblical focus in our watching. We sometimes focus on our inward failures, which cause us to experience great depression and defeat. If we use our temptations and failures as motivation to focus on Christ and to cry out to God for His powerful grace, we will receive hope, strength, and forgiveness instead of being overcome with discouragement. By focusing on the Lord’s ability to deliver us from temptation and to cleanse us of sin, discouragement and defeat can be replaced with thanksgiving and rejoicing.

And, if Satan cannot succeed at discouraging us with our own failures, he will often try to discourage us with the victories of those who oppose God. There is a time to be a “watchman on the wall” and to cry out warning alarms because of the attacks of the enemy. However, if this is our single focus, we will tend to be anxious because of the “progress” that the enemies of the Lord are making. Scripture specifically tells us, “Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb” (Psalm 37:1–2).

Watching and fretting is what Satan wants us to do, because it keeps us defeated and discouraged, but watching with thanksgiving leads to joy and encouragement. Scripture states that we are to bring to God every detail of our need in earnest and thankful prayer. (See Philippians 4:6.) In order to watch with thankfulness, we must see the bigger picture of God’s power and purposes in what He allows.

For example, we may watch as various Christians walk away from the Lord. However, instead of becoming discouraged, we can be thankful that God is big enough to reach down and bring them back to Himself. We can thank Him that “he hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. … Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him” (Psalm 103:10, 13). We can also thank God for the opportunity to demonstrate our love for Christ and fellow believers by praying earnestly for their spiritual condition and trusting God to work in their lives.

We can watch and pray with thanksgiving, knowing that Christ is our source of deliverance from that which would ensnare us. (See II Peter 2:9 and Colossians 4:2.) Lack of thankfulness to God often springs from an anxious, troubled heart and leads to many other sins. (See Romans 1:21.) Let’s purpose to watch and pray rather than watch and worry, giving thanks to God in all things, because this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for us. (See I Thessalonians 5:18.) Remember, Christ has already won the victory!

Grace and Peace,

Ed

Church of Oprah?

"New York University professor Paul Vitz once observed, "Contemporary psychology is a form of secular humanism based on the rejection of God and the worship of the self." In her substitution of psychology for theology, Oprah Winfrey has become a high priestess and icon of the psychologization of American society. When she features prominent New Age figures on her television show, she helps to mainstream New Age influences and philosophies among millions of Americans. Her substitution of spirituality for biblical Christianity, her promotion of forgiveness without atonement, and her references to a god "without labels" puts her at the epicenter of a seismic cultural earthquake." (Taken from http://www.albertmohler.com/commentary_read.php?cdate=2005-11-29 )

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
The Holy Bible : King James Version. (Heb 1:1-4).

2 Tim 4:3
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
The Holy Bible : King James Version. (2 Jn 7-11).

There is no Christ-less gospel! Anything that exalts itself above the name of Jesus or claims victory over sin without the blood of Jesus or declares true and ultimate freedom without Jesus' resurrection is simply a false doctrine! He is the Way, the Truth and the Life! Christ in you is the hope of glory!

God bless Oprah and give her the grace she needs to carry such a responsibility with fear and trembling as she ought! Let her fully understand the impact that she has on people and therefore use it for your Kingdom! Lead her not into temptation and deliver her from evil!

Grace and Peace,

Ed

http://www.urcwc.org/

Prayer

As I was communing with God last night I was reminded of the power and importance of prayer. What we call "The Lord's Prayer" in particular. I was impressed that I don't put enough emphasis on prayer in my life and as a result see less and feel worse than I should. I was reminded of the entire scripture taken in context and with Jesus' extended teaching on the subject. My spirit focused on The Kingdom, Bread and Importunity. Jesus is the Kingdom, heaven is his heart! Jesus is the Bread. I need to step up my importunity and He'll manifest the present reality of His presence on earth through His church His body of believers.

Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” And he said to them, “When you pray, say:
 “ Father, hallowed be your name.
 Your kingdom come.
 Give us each day our daily bread,
and forgive us our sins,
for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And lead us not into temptation.”

And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Lk 11:1-13).

Grace and Peace,

Ed

Uninvited Guests Sometimes Bring The Best Gifts!

"These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." - 1 Peter 1:7

One of the great tragedies of the Christian life is that if we fail to enter into a relationship with God that is born of the Holy Spirit, we are left with a religion, not a relationship. Many a person today lives with an intellectual belief in God, but without a relationship that is based on two-way communication. This is the greatest tragedy of all. It's like having a brand-new car but never having the gas to run it. It can't move you anywhere. It only looks pretty, but one cannot enjoy the ride or smell the newness inside.

Peter tells us that until our faith is proved genuine, we will never be able to give praise, glory, and honor to Jesus, because until such testing He will not be revealed in our lives. Peter describes this in the verse before: "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials" (1 Pet. 1:6). Trials are designed to bring us to a level of trust and experience with God that we would never know otherwise. These "faith experiences" with God allow us to know firsthand the faithfulness of God, the love of God, and the personal nature of God. If you cannot recount several instances when God has met you personally, then chances are your faith has not been born of the Holy Spirit into a living relationship with God. It is easy to fall prey to a relationship to God that never experiences His real presence; rather, it is based on knowledge only. This is a tragic place to be.

If this is where you have been in your Christian experience, ask God today to make Himself real to you. Ask Him to show you His personal nature and love. He desires to do this. Those whom He has called know His voice. He will show Himself to those who are His. "He who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I too will love him and show Myself to him" (Jn. 14:21b).

Grace and Peace,

Ed

Faith

Heb 11:6
"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him". I keep forgetting that it is faith that pleases God. Not belief in one's self or own abilities but faith in God who loved us and gave His Son for us!

Heb 2:17
"Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people". Jesus knows our frame and our condition. He knows what it's like to be faced day in and day out with in congruency in the world and people around us!

Heb 6:1

"Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God". When we study the first principles of our faith this is the first, the starting point. But, oftentimes as we run our race the starting line becomes a dim vision of the past. We press to achieve and forget HOW we are to achieve.

Heb 4:1-3

"Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world". Today I will strive but I will strive to enter into the rest of the finished work of Jesus Christ! Who after accomplishing for me what i could not accomplish for myself said, "It is finished"!

Grace and Peace,

Ed

Does God Exist?

I find it interesting that so much attention is given to this debate. Some of the latest surveys tell us that over 90% of people in the world today believe in the existence of God or some higher power. Yet, somehow the responsibility is placed on those who believe God does exist to somehow prove that He really does exist. To me, I think it should be the other way around. :-)

The existence of God cannot be proven or disproved. The Bible even says that we must accept by faith the fact that God exists, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). If God so desired, He could simply appear and prove to the whole world that He exists. But if He did that, there would be no need for faith. "Then Jesus told him, 'Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed'” (John 20:29).

That does not mean, however, that there is not evidence of God’s existence. The Bible declares, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world” (Psalm 19:1-4). Looking at the stars, understanding the vastness of the universe, observing the wonders of nature, seeing the beauty of a sunset – all of these things point to a Creator God. If these were not enough, there is also evidence of God in our own hearts. Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us, “…He has also set eternity in the hearts of men…” There is something deep down in our beings that recognizes that there is something beyond this life and someone beyond this world. We can deny this knowledge intellectually, but God’s presence in us and through us is still there. Despite all of this, the Bible warns us that some will still deny God’s existence, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” (Psalm 14:1). Since over 98% of people throughout history, in all cultures, in all civilizations, on all continents believe in the existence of some kind of God – there must be something (or someone) causing this belief.

In addition to the Biblical arguments for God’s existence, there are 4 logical arguments. First, there is the ontological argument. The most popular form of the ontological argument basically uses the concept of God to prove God’s existence. It begins with the definition of God as “that than which no greater can be conceived.” It is then argued that to exist is greater than to not exist, and therefore the greatest conceivable being must exist. If God did not exist then God would not be the greatest conceivable being - but that would contradict God's very definition.

A second is the teleological argument. The teleological argument is that since the universe displays such an amazing design, there must have been a Divine designer. For example, if earth were even a few hundred miles closer or further away from the sun, it would not be capable of supporting much of the life it currently does. If the elements in our atmosphere were even a few percentage points different, every living thing on earth would die. The odds of a single protein molecule forming by chance is 1 in 10243 (that is a 10 followed by 243 0’s). A single cell is comprised of millions of protein molecules.

A third logical argument for God’s existence is called the cosmological argument. Every effect must have a cause. This universe and everything in it is an effect. There must be something that caused everything to come into existence. Ultimately, there must be something “un-caused” in order to cause everything else to come into existence. That “un-caused” something is God.

A fourth argument is known as the moral argument. Every culture throughout history has had some form of law. Everyone has a sense of right and wrong. Murder, lying, stealing, and immorality are almost universally rejected. Where did this sense of right and wrong come from if not from a holy God?

Despite all of this, the Bible tells us that people will reject the clear and undeniable knowledge of God and instead believe a lie. Romans 1:25 declares, “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator - who is forever praised. Amen.” The Bible also proclaims that people are without excuse for not believing in God, “For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse” (Romans 1:20).

Allow me one last personal argument for God’s existence. How do I know God exists? I know God exists because I speak to Him every day. I do not audibly hear Him speaking back to me, but I sense His presence, I feel His leading, I know His love, I desire His grace. Things have occurred in my life that have no other possible explanation other than God. God has so miraculously saved me and changed my life that I cannot help but to acknowledge and praise His existence. None of these arguments in and of themselves can persuade anyone who refuses to acknowledge what is so plainly clear. In the end, God’s existence must be accepted by faith (Hebrews 11:6). Faith in God is not a blind leap into the dark, it is safe step into a well-lit room where 90% of people are already standing.

Your God is a loving Father that longs to have fellowship with you! He created you in His image and in His likeness. The bible declares in Prov 8:17, "I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me."

Grace and Peace,

Ed

http://www.gotquestions.org/

If your in the New York area check us out at http://www.urcwc.org/

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Authority

As I was reading Bill Gothard's "daily sucess" I was especially inspired and bore witness with two paragraphs in particular. He wrote:

God’s pattern of working through structures of authority is well established throughout Scripture. He works with children through their parents (see Ephesians 6:1), citizens through His ministers in government (see Romans 13:1–6), believers through church leaders (see I Thessalonians 5:12–13), and employees through their employers (see Colossians 3:22–23). Within these structures of authority and responsibility, God gives direction, provision, and protection.

Human authorities can also misuse their position and become abusive, unwise, and irresponsible. It is in these difficult cases that we need to ask God for wisdom to make wise appeals, trust God to direct their hearts, and ultimately refuse to do evil regardless of who tells us to do it.
How big is your God? Do you believe that God is using the authorities in your life to accomplish His will? While human authorities may fail and disappoint us, let’s continue to place our full confidence in the Lord, Who has authority over all (see Ephesians 1:19–23 and Colossians 1:16–20).

It becomes comforting once we learn to correctly submit to the authorities that God has placed over us. If you have never read the book or seen the movie by Corrie Ten Boom called "The Hiding Place" I highly recommend it. It helps us to learn to trust God 's leading in all things as He is with us in all things.

Grace and Peace,

Ed

http://iblp.org/iblp/discipleship/dailysuccess/

When Suffering Have Faith in God!

Faith is a gift to be practiced, exercised and used. It is the basis of accomplishing great and mighty things for God’s kingdom. Like any other gift the giver takes great pleasure when the receiver uses and enjoys the benefits of the gift given. In the Scriptures, we read of the heroes of faith who subdued kingdoms, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, and accomplished many other marvelous achievements for God’s glory all by faith in the revealed will of God regardless of their feelings about their outward situation. (See Hebrews 11.)

Faith involves hearing the Word of God with our spiritual ears and acting upon it. Not just hearers but believers! Faith is not a “blind leap in the dark.” True Faith is a confident assurance of God’s will based on His promises, which are so certain that waiting on them is not discouraging, and acting upon them is natural. Jesus told His disciples to “… have faith in God”! Faith pleases God!

If you find yourself in a time of suffering, now is the time to press into God. Let your roots grow deeper. Whenever there is a famine, tree roots are forced to drive deeper into the soil to find water. These times are designed to create such a deep-rooted faith that our natures will be changed forever!

Let's press in together in Love and Faith with Hope for all that God has for our generation!

Grace and Peace,

Ed

http://www.urcwc.org/

Sabbath

The Sabbath, a day of rest unto the Lord. Many religions and denominations of those religions celebrate the Sabbath on either a Saturday or a Sunday. I have even heard people debate over which is correct. Is the day the issue or what then is the issue?

Gen 2:3
So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation. See, it doesn't say Saturday or Sunday in fact at this point the days have not even been named. Now look at this next scripture.

2 Pet 3:8
But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. And, Gal.4:10 says, You observe days and months and seasons and years! Paul is discussing how we need to get at the root of our spirituality not the form or rituals.

For example, we celebrate ones birth on their birthday. Really we should be giving the gifts and accolades to that person's parents who nurtured them from birth. We celebrate the 4th of July here in America as it commemorates our Independence from England, but isn't our freedom worth more than a day of recognition or celebration? Christians celebrate Christmas and Easter at times of the year that are actually not accurate with the birth or resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

So then what is God teaching us when He says in Exodus 20:8-11, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

God was foreshadowing a day that would come that would be the fulfillment of the Sabbath. The day we live in. The seventh day. If we account time as beginning with Adam and the historical account of the Bible we are in the seventh year, 7,000 years since the fall of Adam. 5,000 before Christ and 2,000 years since His coming. A day of rest. Check this out!

Hebrews 4:1 Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. 2 For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. 3 For we who have believed enter that rest, as he has said,
 “ As I swore in my wrath,
‘ They shall not enter my rest,’ ”
although his works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For he has somewhere spoken of the seventh day in this way:  “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works.” 5 And again in this passage he said,
“ They shall not enter my rest.”
6 Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, 7 again he appoints a certain day, “Today,” saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted,
 “ Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts.”
8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on. 9 So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, 10 for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.
11 Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.

The heart of this commandment is that we must honor the Sabbath with a daily understanding of the rest that Christ purchased for us. Look at Matt:11:28-30

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Jesus Is Lord of the Sabbath! Let's Worship Him on Saturday, Sunday and everyday! Let's enter into the rest that He has provided. Just as the Father provided the Heavens and the Earth complete and without error so has the Father provided a place for us in Christ that is secure, complete and perfect. Let us rest in the finished work of Christ and celebrate together corporately on Saturday or Sunday as we declare... HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD!

Grace and Peace,

Ed

http://www.urcwc.org/